Factors Affecting Inconsistency in Hospital Visits of Psoriasis Out-Patients

Abstract

Psoriasis sufferers experience both psychological and social problems. However, most patients visit inconsistently for various reasons, creating obstacles to quality medication. This research aims to investigate factors affecting inconsistent visits for treatment of out-patients with psoriasis in Phitsanulok Province. The study mailed questionnaires to patients with psoriasis who had received treatment from state medical institutions under the Ministry of Public Health and the Higher Education Bureau, located in the Phitsanulok area. 234 patients - 148 males and 86 females - returned completed questionnaires. Even though 93.1 % of patients were satisfied to a moderate to high level with their treatment, 87 % did not undertake follow-up treatment. Principal reasons for non-followup are distance (32.97%), unqualified physicians (29.5%), wasted time (13.9%), and poor service (12.7%). More study of rural patient behavior and promotions to encourage rural patients to be more concern about their diseases might help address this problem. Current Thai psoriasis clinical practice guidelines for rural patients may need to bereviewed. Study is required to develop a health-related quality of life index.